The Māgadha king Priyadarśin, having saluted the Samgha, hopes they are both well and comfortable. 🙏
It is known to you, Sirs, how great is my reverence and faith in the Buddha, the Dharma, (and) the Samgha. Whatsoever, Sirs, has been spoken by the blessed Buddha, all that is quite well spoken. 😌
But, Sirs, what would indeed appear to me (to be referred to by the words of the scripture): ‘thus the true Dharma will be of long duration’, that I feel bound to declare.
The following expositions of the Dharma, Sirs, (viz.)
the Vinaya-samukasa;
the Aliya-vasas,
the Anāgata-bhayas,
the Muni-gāthās,
the Moneya-sūta,
the Upatisa-pasina, and
the Lāghulovāda
which was spoken by the blessed Buddha concerning falsehood,–I desire, Sirs, that many groups of monks and (many) nuns may repeatedly listen to these expositions of the Dhamma, and may reflect (on them).
In the same way both laymen and laywomen (should act). For the following (purpose), Sirs, am I causing this to be written, (viz.) order that they may know my intention.
